National Shrine of the Apostle Paul, St. Paul, Minn.

(CNS photo/Dave Hrbacek, Catholic Spirit)

Destination: If you’re taking a trip to the Mall of America, the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, Minn., is well worth putting on your agenda. It was designated a national shrine by the Vatican and the U.S. bishops’ conference on March 25, 2009, following a request by Archbishop John C. Nienstedt. Now known as the National Shrine of the Apostle Paul, it is the only U.S. shrine dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle. About 100 U.S. Catholic churches serve as national shrines.
Mass times are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.; Sunday, 8 and 10 a.m. (Solemn Mass), noon and 5 p.m.
Why to go: In 2012, the Vatican established a “bond of spiritual affinity” between the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome and the Cathedral of St. Paul. This means that anyone making a pilgrimage to the Minnesota shrine can enjoy all the spiritual benefits as if they were able to pray at the tomb of the Apostle Paul in Rome. As a sign of this spiritual closeness, the cathedral has received the gift of a stone taken from the ancient wall surrounding the tomb of St. Paul.
Additionally, the cathedral is home to two historic pipe organs considered American classics, by E. M. Skinner, Æolian-Skinner, and Quimby Pipe Organs.
Docent-guided tours without appointments are offered at Tuesday through Friday at 1 p.m. (except holy days and civil holidays). Donations are welcome. Gather in the front pew of the center aisle to meet the guide.
Access: The cathedral has handicapped-accessible entrances to the main and lower levels.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Proper church behavior is expected of young visitors.
Info: Address — Cathedral of St. Paul, 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone — 651/228-1766
Website — https://www.cathedralsaintpaul.org/national-shrine

— Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
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